K11 Owners Group

abreeze · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 1:37 pm Post subject: LA to SF

planning on riding frm LA to SF in February(8-11), does anyone know how the weather is along the route up the coast?

owrstrich · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 2:03 pm Post subject:

i have been through there in february before... sometimes its 80 degrees with sun... sometimes is 50 degrees with rain...

it will be a glorious ride regardless... so be prepared for fog and rain and hope for the best...

owrstrich
_________________
yeeeeeehaaaaaaa...

Flying Duck · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 4:35 pm Post subject:

If you're going to do this, I HIGHLY recommend taking I-5 up to 58 and cutting across to the coast on 58. The coast is pretty boring south of Morro Bay and 58 is one of the very BEST roads in CA. You will thank me, I promise.

Even with plenty of viewing stops, it sohuldn't take you more than a day to get from LA to SF with a reasonably early start.

If you've got a several day window, I'd recommend watching the weather and picking a day when it's nice. Generally, it's nice down south and might get drizzly as you near the bay area.

Here's a good link for checking the temp and precip for the next few days. You can roll your mouse over the columns and days to get some nice graphical respresations of the weather.

http://www.weather.gov/forecasts/graphical/sectors/pacsouthwestWeek.php

The best approach for riding the coast is to keep it within 10mph of the speed limit on the straights and go for it in the turns.

The only caution is that if there are HEAVY rains in the week or two preceding your ride, there's a good chance of gravel on the turns. Otherwise, it will be pretty clean but it isn't a swept race track so you do need to keep yours eyes open.

As long as there is appropriate visibility and god conditions, I wouldn't hesitate to pass on double yellow lines when your SURE it's safe. At that time of year, especially on a weekday, CHP presence should be minimal - but you never know. Rolling Eyes

If you have several days, ride up to SF, spend a night and then head north on 1 from there and then come back the same way. IMHO, HWY 1 north of SF is the best part of the coast. I guarantee you won't want to turn around (Big Sur ain't bad either though.)

Try to avoid gassing up in the Big Sur area - $$$$$$$$$$$!
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
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Sonu · Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:39 am Post subject:

This is my favorite ride and I've done it several times.

Plan your stops. Here are a couple of suggestions (in order as you ride up north)

1) Ragged Point. Great views, food, espresso bar. Gas is available at full price.
2) Julia Pfeiffer Burns State National Park has a gorgeous waterfall off a cliff straight into the ocean. The short hiking trail to get there goes under highway 1.
3) Fernwood Motel Bar & Grill has a great BBQ on weekends and a good place to catch a game. The deck in the back amongst the redwoods is where the bikers hangout.

If you get tired of Hwy 1 by the time you hit Monterey take 68E to 101N. This takes you right by Laguna Seca racetrack and also has good views of coastal farming. Then take 280N once you hit San Jose and finally Hwy 35 puts you back on the coast along the Pacific edge of San Francisco.

Sanjiv
_________________
1997 K1100LT "Ziggy" _GarminGPS_Corbin saddle_K Guards _Hyperlights_Fog lights_Eastern Beaver Relays_Cee Bailey_4"speakers_Michelin PR4's_MoS2_Spiegler lines_TPMS_VDO

Sonu · Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:41 am Post subject:

You are wise to watch the weather. Rain is NOT the only thing you need to worry about. GUSTY WINDS can be a far bigger challenge as you go around the bends. I've been blown across the double yellows. Not a fun experience.

Ride safe,

Sanjiv
_________________
1997 K1100LT "Ziggy" _GarminGPS_Corbin saddle_K Guards _Hyperlights_Fog lights_Eastern Beaver Relays_Cee Bailey_4"speakers_Michelin PR4's_MoS2_Spiegler lines_TPMS_VDO

abreeze · Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007 6:16 pm Post subject:

all good....we are planning to take 33 to 58 over to San luis, if the weather is ok then rs1 to Carmel BTS. I have 4 days.

Just want to be prepaired for the weather......but it sounds like anything can happen.....which is just fine too.

owrstrich · Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007 11:48 pm Post subject:

dont forget about this little gem...

http://www.motosolvang.com

owrstrich
_________________
yeeeeeehaaaaaaa...

Flying Duck · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 6:36 pm Post subject:

Don't get gas at the Chevron in Cambria. Here's why:

Wednesday:

Once you finsh 58, if you fill up along 101 onthe way to 46 or maybe at Atascadero or Morro Bay, then you'll have enough gas to fly past all of the spendy spots along the coast.

FYI: I'd say your better bet than going to SLo is taking 46 after 58. Nothing special on the SLO route but 46 has some great views looking down at the coast.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

abreeze · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 9:14 pm Post subject:

looking at my route that is what i had planned just from a squiggle line map view...thanks

Im just hoping for some decent weather at this point...